Having fused once before, the second fusion went much more smoothly.
However, the Nether Flame couldn’t bring any significant boost to the Extreme Tyrant Sword. It merely added sword qi laced with dark attributes, which could catch enemies off guard in specific battles.
The Extreme Tyrant Sword had five key upgrade milestones:
First, after incorporating the Phosphorus Fire, the Extreme Tyrant Sword advanced from sixth tier to seventh tier. Second, once it gathered the four attributes of Yin Yang Light Dark, it would awaken the ability “Black-White Boundary.” Third, upon fusing the fifth extreme flame, the sword would rise from seventh tier to eighth tier. Fourth, after collecting the remaining four attributes, it would gain its second ability, “Four Elements to Emptiness.” Finally, with all nine flames—including the Gold-Silver Fire—merged together, the Extreme Emperor Sword would fully form.
After countless cycles of the sword exploding, getting repaired, fusing materials, and exploding again, Yan Zhen finally succeeded in integrating the Nether Flame right before the auction. This unlocked the Extreme Tyrant Sword’s second mode: the Extreme Nether Sword, which could unleash dark-attribute sword qi. It even allowed him to team up with the demoness for their combined technique, Flame Extinction Without Embers: Dark Black Slash!
The repeated explosions had left Yan Zhen in a wretched state. If not for the Rootless Earth Spirit Fire protecting him, he probably would have ended up bedridden.
Yan Zhen from his previous life had truly been bold and meticulous to accomplish what even Chen Xi wouldn’t dare attempt: forging the “Extreme Emperor Sword.”
Chen Xi’s lifebound cauldron had been hammered with the Gold-Silver Fire, but rather than keep fusing extreme flames to upgrade it, she used that as a base and continuously added heavenly materials and earthly treasures. In the end, she refined it into the current “Star Luo Cauldron,” reaching quasi-saint artifact grade.
In comparison, the Extreme Emperor Sword was a top-tier saint artifact. And after igniting Extreme Flame: Boundless, it would even evolve into an emperor artifact.
Thus, Yan Zhen had truly outshone his master!
At this thought, Chen Xi felt deeply gratified. She quietly watched as he sat in meditation, regulating his breathing.
The next day at noon, Yan Zhen changed into fresh clothes and notified the women one by one, inviting them to head to Myriad Merchants Ancient City for some shopping.
Yan Meng’er, Yan Ruyu, Mi Xue’er, and Xiao Xinyan were all free, as was Mentor Yu Xuan. Unfortunately, Aunt Shui Bailan and Yi Xian’er were both in the middle of cultivation. Cai Lian couldn’t wander around freely, and Long Ying had just eaten her fill and fallen asleep.
And so, the group of six set off. After getting dressed up, they boarded Yan Zhen’s favorite new ride and arrived at Myriad Merchants Ancient City just as dusk fell.
The luxury speedboat docked in the plaza before the Golden Jade Chamber of Commerce, drawing stares from numerous guests and passersby. Everyone recognized the holy land emblem on the vessel.
Only peak elders were equipped with flying skiffs of this caliber!
As the crowd buzzed with curiosity and speculation, five beauties of distinct allure stepped out one after another: the youthful giant-breasted type, the tall and fertile type, the fair and slender type, the classic heiress type, and the stunningly beautiful type with gentle, elegant poise like a devoted wife… Their collective appearance left onlookers dazzled, whispering about which holy land scion must be out with five companions at once.
Under the barrage of gazes, Yan Zhen strolled out calmly and stowed the speedboat.
“What a handsome young man. He looks a bit familiar.”
“Wait, isn’t that… His Highness the new Holy Son, Yan Zhen?”
“What? The Holy Son? Him?”
“It really is His Highness the Holy Son. Should we go say hello?”
Though suspicions ran high, no one dared approach for confirmation. Yan Zhen ignored them entirely, leading the five women into the Golden Jade Chamber of Commerce. A team of maids immediately greeted them, led by the lobby manager.
“Young Master Yan Zhen, the president is waiting upstairs. This way, please.”
Yan Zhen nodded slightly and turned to the women. “Do you want to come with me to see Sister Ji Ya, or browse the chamber first?”
Mentor Yu Xuan stepped forward with a beaming smile. “It’s been ages since I last saw Miss Ji Ya, and this is her turf. Of course we have to pay a visit.”
Pay a visit? That phrasing felt a bit off… Yan Zhen inwardly cringed, suddenly recalling the less-than-amicable first meeting between Mentor Yu Xuan and Sister Ji Ya. Would their reunion spark another clash?
“Let’s go, then.”
The Golden Jade Chamber of Commerce’s main building had four floors. Beyond the shops on each level, there were staff offices—and the top-floor office, originally the branch president’s, had been renovated for Ji Ya.
The office door stood ajar. Inside, Ji Ya sat behind the desk in a vibrant red gown, seriously reviewing documents. Jin Tong and Yu Nu flanked her with swords at their waists, while Aunt Mu lurked in the shadows as usual. She emerged now to announce, “Eldest Miss, the little uncle-in-law is here.”
Ji Ya set down her brush, a smile tugging at her lips. But then Aunt Mu added, “He’s not alone. That mentor from Silver Moon City—and all his little housemates—are with him.”
Ji Ya’s eyes narrowed, but she said nothing. She rose silently, ready to greet her dear little brother downstairs, with Aunt Mu, Jin Tong, and Yu Nu close behind.
The four had just reached the doorway when they saw the lobby manager escorting the group of six toward them.
“President, Young Master Yan Zhen has arrived.”
“Mm. You’re dismissed.”
The lobby manager bowed and retreated. Ji Ya’s gaze instantly locked onto Mentor Yu Xuan beside Yan Zhen—the latter was openly clinging to his arm—while the four women behind trailed properly in line.
“Little Brother Yan Zhen, you’re here!” Ji Ya hurried forward and took his other arm. “The Merchant Alliance’s big auction doesn’t start till nightfall. Let’s head inside and chat.”
Yan Zhen nodded, and the group entered the office, settling onto the long couch.
The four women sat primly together, shooting odd looks across at the scene: Ji Ya and Mentor Yu Xuan sandwiching Yan Zhen in the middle.
Aunt Mu closed the door, stationed Jin Tong and Yu Nu on either side, and began brewing tea.
Ji Ya spoke first. “Mentor Yu Xuan, long time no see. You’re looking more beautiful than ever. Little Brother Yan Zhen must turn heads bringing you out like this.”
Mentor Yu Xuan’s eyes crinkled into the same sly smile as Big Aunt Yu Yan’s. “President Ji Ya is the one radiating charm. With a stunning sister like you, Little Brother Yan Zhen gives the rest of us no small pressure.”
“Oh, no no. Mentor Yu Xuan is even more beautiful—not just lovely, but with such refined poise. I remember Little Brother Yan Zhen saying he adores gentle, virtuous women the most.”
“You’re too kind. President Ji Ya is prettier still, with even better grace. You shine brightest in any crowd—truly enviable. And so capable, too, running such a massive chamber so smoothly and prosperously. Little Brother Yan Zhen has praised you to me endlessly.”
Hee hee hee~~~ The two women tittered behind polite hands.
Yan Zhen felt chills crawl up his spine, cold sweat beading on his forehead. He could almost relate to Brother Xun’s dread, itching to shout—
I never said any of that!
It wasn’t just him. Meng’er and Aunt Mu wore equally indescribable expressions.
—So even the mentor could throw shade like this. She was always so gentle with those around her.
—Eldest Miss is jealous~
The air in the office practically reeked of vinegar.
